Adelaar

Location: Raja Ampat

Adelaar

About Adelaar

Raja Ampat's intricate archipelago, a nexus of marine biodiversity, is explored from the intimate platform of the Adelaar.

The islands of West Papua's Raja Ampat region rise like forested mushrooms from the sea, creating a complex labyrinth of channels, bays, and hidden lagoons. This intricate geography isolates and protects marine habitats, contributing to the area's explosive speciation and high density of life. Currents carrying nutrients from the deep sea are funneled through these passages, feeding extensive coral gardens and the swarms of fish that inhabit them. It is through this fractured, vibrant seascape that the Adelaar charts its course, offering an intimate platform for just eight divers to experience one of the planet's most significant marine zones. Diving is conducted from two sturdy aluminum tenders, each managed by a dedicated two-person crew. This two-skiff approach ensures small group sizes and allows for direct access to the region's most dynamic sites, from current-swept channels to sheltered mangrove forests. Back on the main vessel, a well-organized dive deck provides individual stations for gear storage and setup, keeping equipment orderly and accessible. The dive team consists of experienced local guides whose knowledge of the area's currents, tides, and hidden features is critical for navigating Raja Ampat's underwater terrain. Their guidance helps divers locate rare macro critters and safely position for encounters with larger pelagic animals. Life aboard is defined by a social and intimate atmosphere for a small group. The vessel's four well-appointed cabins, including a spacious master suite, each feature a private bathroom and provide a quiet, personal space for rest. Polished wood paneling and classic maritime design extend to the indoor lounge and dining area, a communal hub for meals and conversation. Outside, guests can relax on the shaded leisure deck, perfect for reading between dives, or ascend to the open-air sundeck. This top deck offers unobstructed views of the dramatic island scenery and is an ideal spot for sunbathing or watching the sunset. The culinary program is designed to fuel active days of diving with fresh and flavorful meals. The onboard chef prepares a variety of dishes, often blending international flavors with local Indonesian influences, using ingredients sourced whenever possible from regional markets. Meals are typically served in the main dining salon, creating a communal atmosphere where divers can share stories from their day. A selection of snacks and beverages is available throughout the day to keep energy levels high. The crew is attentive to guest needs and can generally accommodate specific dietary requirements with advance notice. Adelaar is a classic Dutch schooner with a heritage rooted in maritime tradition. Its steel hull measures 38.1 meters in length with a 5.5-meter beam, providing a stable presence in the water. Power comes from a single 380 HP Mercedes Marine Diesel engine, ensuring reliable and efficient navigation through the archipelago's many channels. The ship maintains a steady cruising speed between 6.5 and 7.5 knots, a deliberate pace well-suited for exploration and for comfortable crossings between distant island groups. With a maximum capacity of only eight guests, the vessel offers a high degree of personal space for everyone on board. Itineraries focus on the diverse regions within Raja Ampat, with routes timed to coincide with the best seasonal conditions. Depending on the time of year, trips may explore the northern islands, known for drift dives and manta congregations, or the southern region of Misool, celebrated for its soft corals and rich macro life. All voyages typically begin and end in the port of Sorong, West Papua. The Adelaar is an excellent choice for experienced divers, underwater photographers, and small groups seeking a dedicated and focused dive trip. Its intimate setting appeals to travelers who value personalized expeditions over large-scale resort amenities.

Vessel Specifications

Cabins

Itineraries

Beyond Komodo & Whale Sharks

Duration: 11D/10N

Embarkation: Maumere

This unique itinerary journeys across the heart of Indonesia's Coral Triangle, revealing the diverse underwater landscapes between Maumere and Bali. Expect a compelling mix of dynamic drift dives, vibrant coral gardens, and rich pelagic encounters in regions like Komodo National Park, known for its strong currents and abundance of reef fish, sharks, and manta rays. The route also seeks out opportunities for whale shark observations in Teluk Saleh and explores less-frequented dive sites around Pa

Komodo National Park

This extended round-trip journey departs from Bali to explore the diverse underwater landscapes of Komodo National Park. Highlights include drift diving in the vibrant central park, encounters with manta rays in the south, and a shore excursion to see Komodo dragons. The itinerary concludes with unique dives at a volcanic site and an opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Saleh Bay before returning to Bali.

Adelaar Signature (Bali - Komodo - Bali)

Duration: 11D/10N

Embarkation: Serangan

This cross-regional itinerary explores the diverse waters from Bali to Komodo, offering a comprehensive journey through vibrant Indonesian seas. Divers can expect a range of experiences, from pelagic encounters offshore Sumbawa to the rich, current-swept reefs of Komodo National Park, home to manta rays, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of reef fish. The route moves through both the northern and southern reaches of Komodo, revealing varied topography and marine life, including drift dives and pristine

Komodo Exclusive (Komodo - Sangeang Volcano - Komodo)

Duration: 9D/8N

Embarkation: Labuan Bajo

Explore the diverse underwater landscapes of Komodo National Park, where the nutrient-rich waters support an incredible variety of marine life from macro to large pelagics. This itinerary focuses on the vibrant reefs and thrilling drifts of both North and South Komodo, complemented by an exploration of the volcanic sites around Sangeang for unique diving opportunities. Guests can anticipate encountering manta rays, reef sharks, and an abundance of colorful reef fish across a range of dive sites,

Banda Sea / Ring of Fire

Embarkation: Maumere

This voyage crosses the Banda Sea from Maumere to Ambon, exploring the Alor region and remote volcanic islands. Highlights include diving with sea snakes at Gunung Api, searching for schooling hammerhead sharks, and world-class muck diving for rare critters in Ambon Bay.

Banda Sea / Ring of Fire

Duration: 5-11 nights

This itinerary travels from Maumere to Ambon, exploring the diverse marine ecosystems of Alor and the vibrant Banda Sea. The journey offers opportunities to see schooling hammerhead sharks, encounter sea snakes at a volcanic island, and experience the world-class muck diving in Ambon Bay.

Komodo & Beyond

Duration: 11D/10N

Embarkation: Maumere

This extraordinary itinerary navigates the rich waters from Maumere to Bali, focusing on the vibrant reefs and diverse marine life of Komodo National Park and surrounding islands. Divers will encounter a spectacular array of corals, reef fish, and pelagic species like manta rays and sharks, especially in the swift currents characteristic of Komodo's central and southern sites. The journey extends to remote volcanic islands such as Palue and Sangeang, offering unique macro opportunities and drama

Triton Bay

This 12-day, one-way journey from Kaimana to Sorong explores the remote waters of Triton Bay before crossing to the celebrated Misool region of southern Raja Ampat. Highlights include diving amidst vibrant soft coral gardens, searching for whale sharks near fishing platforms, and visiting the unique Kiti Kiti waterfall. The trip concludes with dives on Misool’s fish-rich seamounts and pinnacles.

Banda Sea & Alor

Duration: 11D/10N

Embarkation: Maumere

This expedition navigates the heart of the Banda Sea, exploring a biodiverse corridor between Flores and Ambon. Expect a dynamic underwater landscape, from the volcanic seamounts of Gunung Api to the remote reefs of the Lucipara Archipelago. The journey offers opportunities to encounter hammerhead sharks, significant pelagic species, and vibrant coral ecosystems in areas rarely visited. Diving conditions can range from calm bays to exhilarating currents, characteristic of this expansive Indonesi

Komodo & Whale Sharks

Duration: 7D/6N

Embarkation: Labuan Bajo

This itinerary focuses on the diverse marine ecosystems between Komodo National Park and Sumbawa. Encountering Komodo Dragons on land is a highlight, followed by drift dives over vibrant reefs and pinnacles within the park, rich with schooling fish and reef sharks. Further west, the volcanic island of Sangeang offers unique macrolife and unusual underwater landscapes. The journey concludes with the chance to experience traditional bagan fishing platforms in Saleh Bay, often frequented by whale s